LNP's Plan to Repeal Queensland's Effective Drug Reform: A Dangerous Step Backward

Ah, the saga of drug laws in Queensland—a tale as convoluted as my last attempt at assembling IKEA furniture. In a move that can only be described as the political equivalent of throwing spaghetti on the wall to see what sticks, Queensland's new LNP government has decided to *repeal* the drug diversion laws that were introduced just last year. Yes, you heard it right! The very laws meant to keep people away from the cold, unfeeling embrace of the criminal justice system are now being tossed aside like yesterday's newspaper.

Now, let's rewind for a moment. These laws, which were supported by police and health officials alike (perhaps they were trying to save our sanity as well as our health), allowed those unlucky souls caught with minor amounts of illicit substances, like heroin, cocaine, or ice, to be treated a little more gently by the judicial system. Picture this: instead of a life-altering criminal charge, you’d get three chances to come to terms with your poor life choices. *Wow*! A warning the first time, and on the second and third? A chance to be ushered into a diversionary program run by healthcare workers, who definitely know more about helping you than a judge with a gavel.

But alas, the new Premier David Crisafulli, while basking in his post-election glow, confirmed this shocking decision at a press conference. “We spoke about that before the election, and the answer is yes,” he said, with all the enthusiasm of someone discussing the weather. One can only imagine how he must feel, knowing that every “yes” comes with a backlash of disappointment—much like when you order a chocolate soufflé and get a slice of dry sponge cake instead.

And let us not forget the charming comments from now Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie, who apparently believes the Labor Party has “given up on the war on drugs.” Well, if the war is over, someone forgot to tell the Queensland Police Service, who reported 7,112 people diverted from the clutches of the law in only a few months. It seems they were rather busy trying to create a healthier community, one diversion at a time.

Then there's the Alcohol and Drug Foundation (ADF), expressing disappointment over the repeal. Their policy and engagement manager, Robert Taylor, made it clear that these laws not only safeguard the community’s health but also prevent criminalization of those who simply can’t resist the allure of illicit substances. It sounds like a “don’t shoot the messenger” sort of vibe, doesn’t it? The ADF even dared to suggest that, perhaps, the repeal should be reconsidered. Revolutionary thought, if I may say so!

Imagine this: your *average* Queenslander, just out for a stroll, bumping into a police officer who’s too busy dealing with the latest social media feud instead of focusing on serious drug offenses. Taylor noted that while drug diversion didn’t lead to an uptick in drug use or crime in other jurisdictions, it did free up police to take on more pressing matters—like the perennial threat of that one friend who insists on baking brownies for every gathering.

In a state where support for a health-based response has consistently been in the majority—94.9% of inner-Brisbane respondents prefer a non-punitive approach—one can't help but wonder why a government would ignore such clear preferences. Repealing these diversion laws is like choosing to wear socks with sandals: it doesn’t feel right, and frankly, it raises eyebrows all around.

So as we watch this unfolding drama of proposals and promises, let’s hope cooler heads prevail. Because after all, in the grand saga of drug laws and health policies, nobody should be left holding the bag—or the sponge cake.